Kings Park, Fremantle, Rottnest Island and more: essential stops on a trip to Perth

It’s one of the most remote capital cities in the world, as well as being Australia’s only capital city on the Indian Ocean. These two things alone make Perth hugely appealing, but it has so much else to offer as well, including spectacular beaches, charming green parks, cool neighbourhoods to explore, lovely colonial architecture and soaring skyscrapers,and endless place nearby that are perfect for a day trip.

Thinking of heading to this vibrant city? Here are a few things to help fill your itinerary:

Take in the best views of the city from Kings Park

If you’ve never been to W.A capital before, this beautiful park overlooking the city and Swan River is one of the first places you should visit. At 400 hectares it’s one of the biggest city parks in the world, and includes the 17-hectare Perth Botanic Garden – home to more than 3,000 varieties of native flora. Don’t miss the wildflowers in spring, or a walk through the treetops at any time of year. The Lotterywest Federation Walkway is a 620m path featuring a 222m-long glass-and-steel bridge that takes you through the canopy of eucalypts.

Chill out at Perth’s best beaches

Perth is blessed with loads of beautiful beaches that are easily accessible from the city centre. Whether you want to swim, surf, walk on the sand or just catch a sunset, there are so many glorious spots to choose from, including Scarborough, Trigg, Leighton, City Beach and Bathers Beach. Be sure to enjoy at least one sunset from Cottesloe Beach, either under the shady Norfolk Pines; on the white sands with some fish and chips; or while enjoying a meal at the beautiful Indiana Cottesloe Beach.

Visit the historic port of Fremantle

This port city, 30 minutes from the centre of Perth, is steeped in the history of Australia’s convict past. Hear “sordid and ghastly stories” on a torchlight tour of the old Fremantle Prison at night, visit the Maritime Museum and Shipwreck Galleries, visit craft breweries and take a stroll through the Freo Markets on a Sunday afternoon. Fremantle is also home to, in our humble opinion, the best chilli mussels on the planet.

Go wine tasting in the Swan Valley

Okay, so it’s not actually in Perth, but if you fancy visiting a wine region and don’t have time to get down to Margaret River, you can be in the Swan Valley in just half an hour from Perth. It’s home to the oldest vines in Western Australia, around 40 vineyards and loads of cellar doors – including Providore, where you can do a chocolate and wine tasting master class.

Take the ferry to Rottnest Island

Less than 20km from Perth is the charming Rottnest Island (or “Rotto,” as the locals call it). The best things to do on this car-free paradise? Cycle around the island; walk on one of the 60+ white-sand beaches; go swimming or snorkelling in the clear blue waters; and – of course – take a selfie with a quokka, the cutest little marsupial found only in Western Australia.